september 2023 |
Our purpose on the planet is not to promote the greatness of our nation, it's to spread the Gospel to all nations. -David Platt
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SEPTEMBER 19, 2023: LINKS (Inclusion on this list is not neccessarly an endorsement)
In These Times: Christian Socialists Are Reclaiming Faith from the Right
Pres-Republican: Christianity is alive and well in Iraq
SEPTEMBER 17, 2023: Sunday Reflections
Ps 103:10-14: We sinned against him, but he didn’t give us the punishment we deserved. His love for his followers is as high above us as heaven is above the earth. And he has taken our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is as kind to his followers as a father is to his children. He knows all about us. He knows we are made from dust.
This is the message of Christianity. This is the message that the world so desperately needs and that the church has so quickly forgotten. All who trust in Jesus initially put their trust in this truth. But so quickly we fall away from that message and replace it with some other knock off. We have been redeemed. We have been set free from who we used to be. Our sins, our past, our mistakes, they are no longer a part of us. They were separated as far as the east from the west as Jesus Christ stretched out his arms on a cross for us. God no longer sees us as we once were, he sees us a children. He treats us a sons, as heirs.
The Gospel of Jesus is not so much that we are saved from hell, though we are. Nor is the Gospel that justice will be brought to an unjust world, though it will be. The Gospel isn’t even primarily that a Kingdom is being created. Even though that is a large part of it. The Gospel is that Jesus has not given us the punishment that we deserve. The Gospel is that we are children of the God of the Universe. The Gospel is that God sees us, our past, our hearts, our thoughts, and desires us all the more. The Gospel is that we have changed, redeemed, made new, loved, given purpose, and are made to bring share and bring forth the Kingdom of God.
Whoever you are, Christian or not, this is the best news that could ever be proclaimed. May you respond to this news and experience the joy and peace that comes through knowing God as Father and being known by God, being made new, forgiven, and liberated from all the things that you used to be.
[SOURCE: Brandon Robertson: God Will Never Give Us What We Deserve]
This is the message of Christianity. This is the message that the world so desperately needs and that the church has so quickly forgotten. All who trust in Jesus initially put their trust in this truth. But so quickly we fall away from that message and replace it with some other knock off. We have been redeemed. We have been set free from who we used to be. Our sins, our past, our mistakes, they are no longer a part of us. They were separated as far as the east from the west as Jesus Christ stretched out his arms on a cross for us. God no longer sees us as we once were, he sees us a children. He treats us a sons, as heirs.
The Gospel of Jesus is not so much that we are saved from hell, though we are. Nor is the Gospel that justice will be brought to an unjust world, though it will be. The Gospel isn’t even primarily that a Kingdom is being created. Even though that is a large part of it. The Gospel is that Jesus has not given us the punishment that we deserve. The Gospel is that we are children of the God of the Universe. The Gospel is that God sees us, our past, our hearts, our thoughts, and desires us all the more. The Gospel is that we have changed, redeemed, made new, loved, given purpose, and are made to bring share and bring forth the Kingdom of God.
Whoever you are, Christian or not, this is the best news that could ever be proclaimed. May you respond to this news and experience the joy and peace that comes through knowing God as Father and being known by God, being made new, forgiven, and liberated from all the things that you used to be.
[SOURCE: Brandon Robertson: God Will Never Give Us What We Deserve]
SEPTEMBER 16, 2023:
Zorek Richards
The GOP is now the party of fear mongering. They spread fear amongst their members and the gullible ones will be subservient. It's how they keep them codependent and "loyal." GOP is NRA bought, and it keeps their members armed. GOP voters are not motivated by God, country, or Constitution. They are motivated by fear and fear alone (usually expressed by hatefulness). Everyone is out to get them one way or another except (of course) the GOP leadership who are going to lead them to the GOP "promised land"....by extracting every nickel and dime they can grift from their fearful devoted goose-stepping minions. Trump didn't start the fire. He just fanned the flames. I think we are, after trying everything else, going to have to send in Yoko Ono to break up these clowns in the House.
The GOP leader told Megyn Kelly this week that "I could have pardon myself. Do you know what? I was given an option to pardon myself. I had a couple of attorneys that said can you do it if you want." But, seriously, why would he think about if he did not know he was doing something illegal?? He's a old-school criminal and not very bright. He incriminates himself in every interview he makes.
Republican Congressman Ronnie Jackson is very confused. Ronny Jackson is a political prisoner in the deep deep state between his ears and his own mind. His mind will not pardon him. Reality has a restraining order against him for abuse. He consistently posts a Bible verse on Sunday Twitter, but spends the rest of the time making all kinds of judgments against anyone who is not pro-Trump. Jackson says "Our country is careening off a cliff and this White House's ONLY concern is locking up their political adversaries. They truly hate this country and its people. We need TRUMP back now more than ever!!". No one in the USA that I know of is being jailed for being on the other side of as political party - Democrat or Republican.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem adamantly denied to Megyn Kelly the rumors that she was having an affair with Trump staffer Corey Lewandowski. I think there is eveidence that she has but until then I will not comment. Megyn Kelly is repeating claims that the Obamas secretly run the government because, when your only audience is MAGA, a racist lie always beats the truth.
Donald Trump spoke at the Pray Vote Stand Summitt and said "The moment I win the election, I will appoint a special task force to rapidly review the cases of every political prisoner who has been unjustly persecuted by Biden.. I want to sign their pardons and commutations on day one." At face value that means there would not be any to pardon becasue Biden has not perecuted or jailed anyone. This week Putin criticized Trump's arrest, trial: 'Shows the rottenness of the American system. When Putin endorses him, you gotta know fascists endorse other fascists. Liz Cheney put out a statement: "Putin has now officially endorsed the Putin-wing of the Republican Party. Putin Republicans & their enablers will end up on the ash heap of history. Patriotic Americans in both parties who believe in the values of liberal democracy will make sure of it."
The NRA does not defend the second amendment. They defend the money they make off the fools who think they do defend the second amendment. Their biggest nightmare is not Joe Biden, like they claim. It would be the dues paying members who wake up some day realize the NRA used them as pawns and for grift.
Texas Congressman Chip Roy said this week on the House floor that “If we're not going to secure the United States of America, we shouldn't fund the government that REFUSES to do so!”...However, that would be at the expense of every citizen in the USA who will be affected by it..and it will touch everyones life (if not directly than indirectly). Congressmen who are over paid anyway and have usually used their position to make extra profit off grift and back room deals...will be unaffected in the short term. But, their wage should be the first thing cancelled and not exempt. I Bet they would be a little more concerned then.
North Carolina Lt Governor Mark Robinson told an audience this week that "It is summer. Soon it will be fall. And it will be winter. After that, it will be spring… That's the only climate change that I believe in… Other Ice Ages that happened, I don't think any dinosaurs were going look there’s an eastern airliner flying over us." Preachers who preach like that are dangerous. They generally hold a lot of control over what their congregation believes when they preach outside the gospel. They are commissioned to "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.." They are "to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." Allowing a person to be "built up" is to always plant the seed... and encourage growth in their time. Preaching politics, science etc is like an athiest preaching about the "power of God." It just doesnt work and makes no sense and produces horrible fruit.
Congressman Jim Jordan said thsi week that "It’s scary that Democrat governors think they can suspend the Constitution just because they want to. Republicans won’t ever stop standing up for your Constitutional rights." (He was referring to New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham when she said she could suspend part of the Constitution in order to save lives...because of major issues with gun deaths.) January 6, 2021 and the way Jordan has handled, or rather, done everything he can to avoid it, makes Jordan a liar.
Sen.
On News Nation this week Ted Cruz tried to debunk the false Democrat claim that there is “no evidence” corroborating the allegations of Biden corruption. “There is a growing mountain of evidence." he declared. But even he didnt say what it was. Ted Cruz affirms everything the GOP does and has for years. Facts are irrelevant. He is wrong a lot. As a former right winger I supported him for President and vioted for him in the Mississippi primary.
Matt Gaetz tweeted this week that "Kevin McCarthy Is a Sad, Pathetic Man Who Lies To Hold Onto Power." What he means is that he does not accept the lies someone else pushes. Lying to Hold onto power is the Republican Party Platform. -- Zorek Richards (Comments can be left HERE)
The GOP leader told Megyn Kelly this week that "I could have pardon myself. Do you know what? I was given an option to pardon myself. I had a couple of attorneys that said can you do it if you want." But, seriously, why would he think about if he did not know he was doing something illegal?? He's a old-school criminal and not very bright. He incriminates himself in every interview he makes.
Republican Congressman Ronnie Jackson is very confused. Ronny Jackson is a political prisoner in the deep deep state between his ears and his own mind. His mind will not pardon him. Reality has a restraining order against him for abuse. He consistently posts a Bible verse on Sunday Twitter, but spends the rest of the time making all kinds of judgments against anyone who is not pro-Trump. Jackson says "Our country is careening off a cliff and this White House's ONLY concern is locking up their political adversaries. They truly hate this country and its people. We need TRUMP back now more than ever!!". No one in the USA that I know of is being jailed for being on the other side of as political party - Democrat or Republican.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem adamantly denied to Megyn Kelly the rumors that she was having an affair with Trump staffer Corey Lewandowski. I think there is eveidence that she has but until then I will not comment. Megyn Kelly is repeating claims that the Obamas secretly run the government because, when your only audience is MAGA, a racist lie always beats the truth.
Donald Trump spoke at the Pray Vote Stand Summitt and said "The moment I win the election, I will appoint a special task force to rapidly review the cases of every political prisoner who has been unjustly persecuted by Biden.. I want to sign their pardons and commutations on day one." At face value that means there would not be any to pardon becasue Biden has not perecuted or jailed anyone. This week Putin criticized Trump's arrest, trial: 'Shows the rottenness of the American system. When Putin endorses him, you gotta know fascists endorse other fascists. Liz Cheney put out a statement: "Putin has now officially endorsed the Putin-wing of the Republican Party. Putin Republicans & their enablers will end up on the ash heap of history. Patriotic Americans in both parties who believe in the values of liberal democracy will make sure of it."
The NRA does not defend the second amendment. They defend the money they make off the fools who think they do defend the second amendment. Their biggest nightmare is not Joe Biden, like they claim. It would be the dues paying members who wake up some day realize the NRA used them as pawns and for grift.
Texas Congressman Chip Roy said this week on the House floor that “If we're not going to secure the United States of America, we shouldn't fund the government that REFUSES to do so!”...However, that would be at the expense of every citizen in the USA who will be affected by it..and it will touch everyones life (if not directly than indirectly). Congressmen who are over paid anyway and have usually used their position to make extra profit off grift and back room deals...will be unaffected in the short term. But, their wage should be the first thing cancelled and not exempt. I Bet they would be a little more concerned then.
North Carolina Lt Governor Mark Robinson told an audience this week that "It is summer. Soon it will be fall. And it will be winter. After that, it will be spring… That's the only climate change that I believe in… Other Ice Ages that happened, I don't think any dinosaurs were going look there’s an eastern airliner flying over us." Preachers who preach like that are dangerous. They generally hold a lot of control over what their congregation believes when they preach outside the gospel. They are commissioned to "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.." They are "to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." Allowing a person to be "built up" is to always plant the seed... and encourage growth in their time. Preaching politics, science etc is like an athiest preaching about the "power of God." It just doesnt work and makes no sense and produces horrible fruit.
Congressman Jim Jordan said thsi week that "It’s scary that Democrat governors think they can suspend the Constitution just because they want to. Republicans won’t ever stop standing up for your Constitutional rights." (He was referring to New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham when she said she could suspend part of the Constitution in order to save lives...because of major issues with gun deaths.) January 6, 2021 and the way Jordan has handled, or rather, done everything he can to avoid it, makes Jordan a liar.
Sen.
On News Nation this week Ted Cruz tried to debunk the false Democrat claim that there is “no evidence” corroborating the allegations of Biden corruption. “There is a growing mountain of evidence." he declared. But even he didnt say what it was. Ted Cruz affirms everything the GOP does and has for years. Facts are irrelevant. He is wrong a lot. As a former right winger I supported him for President and vioted for him in the Mississippi primary.
Matt Gaetz tweeted this week that "Kevin McCarthy Is a Sad, Pathetic Man Who Lies To Hold Onto Power." What he means is that he does not accept the lies someone else pushes. Lying to Hold onto power is the Republican Party Platform. -- Zorek Richards (Comments can be left HERE)
Zorek Richards
Question: When do we get to see the hearing of those who broke through those same capital doors to stop a confirmation of a supreme court justice?!! They tried to stop. insurrection??
While protesters in 2018 did push past a police barricade in front of the steps of the Supreme Court to pound on its doors, according to NBC News, there is no reference to protesters entering the Supreme Court building. Capitol Police said in a press release they arrested more than 100 people for infractions that ranged from crowding and obstructing to unlawful conduct on Oct. 5, 2018, but The Washington Post reported that nearly 300 protesters had been arrested. That followed hundreds of protesters arrested during earlier hearings, including about 200 in early September 2018, mostly for disorderly conduct, according to Reuters. There is no reference to those protesters damaging the Supreme Court or Capitol, which was open to the public in 2018. During the Jan. 6 riot, though, the Capitol and its visitors center were closed to the public, including tours led by members of Congress and their staff, according to a security notice sent to all members of Congress. The Jan. 6 insurrection that followed a speech from then-President Donald Trump left both demonstrators and police injured or, in some cases, dead.
SOURCES:
Reuters, Sept. 7, 2018, Hundreds arrested in multi-day protests of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Washington Post,
Oct. 4, 2018, Hundreds arrested in protest against Trump’s Supreme Court nominee U.S. Capitol Police,
Oct. 5, 2018, U.S. Capitol Police Respond to Multiple Instances of Unlawful Demonstration Activities NBC News, Oct. 6, 2018, Protesters pound the doors of the Supreme Court following Kavanaugh confirmation U.S. Capitol Police,
Jan. 7, Statement of Steven Sund, Chief of Police, Regarding the Events of January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol Police, Jan. 7, Loss of USCP Officer Brian D. Sicknick USA TODAY,
Jan. 7, California woman killed during Capitol riot was a military veteran and staunch Trump supporter USA TODAY,
Jan. 7, Three people died from medical emergencies on Capitol grounds Wednesday. Who were they? http://Boston.com, an. 8, AP photographer shares harrowing video of pro-Trump mob attacking colleague outside Capitol Associated Press,
Jan. 14, Prosecutor: US Capitol rioter with zip ties meant 'to take hostages' CNN video, accessed Feb. 3, Rioters break windows and breach US Capitol U.S. Department of Justice, accessed
Feb. 3, List of charges announced against alleged participants in Capitol riot.
While protesters in 2018 did push past a police barricade in front of the steps of the Supreme Court to pound on its doors, according to NBC News, there is no reference to protesters entering the Supreme Court building. Capitol Police said in a press release they arrested more than 100 people for infractions that ranged from crowding and obstructing to unlawful conduct on Oct. 5, 2018, but The Washington Post reported that nearly 300 protesters had been arrested. That followed hundreds of protesters arrested during earlier hearings, including about 200 in early September 2018, mostly for disorderly conduct, according to Reuters. There is no reference to those protesters damaging the Supreme Court or Capitol, which was open to the public in 2018. During the Jan. 6 riot, though, the Capitol and its visitors center were closed to the public, including tours led by members of Congress and their staff, according to a security notice sent to all members of Congress. The Jan. 6 insurrection that followed a speech from then-President Donald Trump left both demonstrators and police injured or, in some cases, dead.
SOURCES:
Reuters, Sept. 7, 2018, Hundreds arrested in multi-day protests of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Washington Post,
Oct. 4, 2018, Hundreds arrested in protest against Trump’s Supreme Court nominee U.S. Capitol Police,
Oct. 5, 2018, U.S. Capitol Police Respond to Multiple Instances of Unlawful Demonstration Activities NBC News, Oct. 6, 2018, Protesters pound the doors of the Supreme Court following Kavanaugh confirmation U.S. Capitol Police,
Jan. 7, Statement of Steven Sund, Chief of Police, Regarding the Events of January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol Police, Jan. 7, Loss of USCP Officer Brian D. Sicknick USA TODAY,
Jan. 7, California woman killed during Capitol riot was a military veteran and staunch Trump supporter USA TODAY,
Jan. 7, Three people died from medical emergencies on Capitol grounds Wednesday. Who were they? http://Boston.com, an. 8, AP photographer shares harrowing video of pro-Trump mob attacking colleague outside Capitol Associated Press,
Jan. 14, Prosecutor: US Capitol rioter with zip ties meant 'to take hostages' CNN video, accessed Feb. 3, Rioters break windows and breach US Capitol U.S. Department of Justice, accessed
Feb. 3, List of charges announced against alleged participants in Capitol riot.
| September 13, 2023 |
CS Lewis
Every age has its own outlook. It is specially good at seeing certain truths and specially liable to make certain mistakes. We all, therefore, need the books that will correct the characteristic mistakes of our own period. And that means the old books. . . . None of us can fully escape this blindness, but we shall certainly increase it, and weaken our guard against it, if we read only modern books. . . . Not, of course, that there is any magic about the past. People were no cleverer then than they are now; they made as many mistakes as we. But not the same mistakes. They will not flatter us in the errors we are already committing; and their own errors, being now open and palpable, will not endanger us. Two heads are better than one, not because either is infallible, but because they are unlikely to go wrong in the same direction. --CS Lewis
| September 10, 2023 |
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
So how do we overcome our fear? Here are three quick tips.
1. It starts with taking every thought captive. The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to capture every thought and subject it to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This process of thinking about what we’re thinking about is important. If we don’t examine what we think about, we won’t be able to identify the areas we’re most fearful. We won’t be able to expose the lies of the enemy.
2. Replace lies with truth. Where do you find truth in a world that changes the narrative to suit whatever agenda is being pushed?
The Bible tells us that the Word of God is truth (John 17:17). Jesus Himself said He was the truth (John 14:6). It, therefore, means that we need to immerse ourselves in the Word of God so we can know the truth.
3. Prepare for battle. This process of overcoming our fear is not a one-time event. Sadly, we will have to do it many times in our lifetimes, sometimes battling the same fears. The good news is that God has already equipped us with everything we need to be successful (Psalm 18:39). --Tarah-Lynn Sait-Ellen; Hebrews12Endurance; How to Overcome Fear: 3 Quick Tips
1. It starts with taking every thought captive. The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to capture every thought and subject it to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This process of thinking about what we’re thinking about is important. If we don’t examine what we think about, we won’t be able to identify the areas we’re most fearful. We won’t be able to expose the lies of the enemy.
2. Replace lies with truth. Where do you find truth in a world that changes the narrative to suit whatever agenda is being pushed?
The Bible tells us that the Word of God is truth (John 17:17). Jesus Himself said He was the truth (John 14:6). It, therefore, means that we need to immerse ourselves in the Word of God so we can know the truth.
3. Prepare for battle. This process of overcoming our fear is not a one-time event. Sadly, we will have to do it many times in our lifetimes, sometimes battling the same fears. The good news is that God has already equipped us with everything we need to be successful (Psalm 18:39). --Tarah-Lynn Sait-Ellen; Hebrews12Endurance; How to Overcome Fear: 3 Quick Tips
Hemant Mehta
On Wednesday night, Pastor Rick Morrow of Beulah Church in Richland, Missouri said that autism was caused by the devil and prayers alone could heal the developmental disability.
Morrow argued that the only alternative to that theory was that God created children with autism because He “doesn't like ‘em very much.” But he rejected that option because, in his view, “God doesn't make junk,” suggesting that there’s something deeply flawed about children who are on the autism spectrum. --Hemant Mehta; Friendly Athiest; Baptist pastor falsely claims autism is demonic: "My God doesn't make junk" 9.10.23
Morrow argued that the only alternative to that theory was that God created children with autism because He “doesn't like ‘em very much.” But he rejected that option because, in his view, “God doesn't make junk,” suggesting that there’s something deeply flawed about children who are on the autism spectrum. --Hemant Mehta; Friendly Athiest; Baptist pastor falsely claims autism is demonic: "My God doesn't make junk" 9.10.23
| September 6, 2023 |
Sept 6, 2023
How does one differentiate events that coincidentally just happen with those that are a result of prayer? I suspect it will all boil down to perspective. The naturalist does not see things of the spirit, so anything that might be an answered prayer could be rationalized, or explained simply void of anything spiritual. It is not a conspiracy on the part of the naturalist, it is just they are void of the ability to see the work of the spirit. So, from the naturalist perspective there is nothing to differentiate. The one who is spiritual may or may not see any act of the spirit, but they know the reality of the circumstances and to what degree there might have been an act of God in answering a prayer.
However, there are Christians who also rationalize answers to prayer. Lack of belief I suppose. There are a lot of people who claim to believe in God and Jesus Christ who..deep down...actually do not. Jesus is most likely trying to reel them in...but it's hard for a person to acknowledge the real Jesus when they have such confidence ands faith in the one they have created in their minds.
There are, I suspect, a lot of bogus claims suggesting God answered a prayer, but such would be motivated by pride and a bit of arrogance on behalf of the one making the claim. The only thing for certain is that God will not contradict the written promises in the Bible. It is not likely that God is playing any favorites for the lottery, football games or parking spots either. Prayer is not magic or spells, it is an effort to move the spiritual hand of God to affect natural boundaries of observable reality.
Too often, for too many, it is clearly nothing more than a "bless me" meditation. --Zorek Richards
How does one differentiate events that coincidentally just happen with those that are a result of prayer? I suspect it will all boil down to perspective. The naturalist does not see things of the spirit, so anything that might be an answered prayer could be rationalized, or explained simply void of anything spiritual. It is not a conspiracy on the part of the naturalist, it is just they are void of the ability to see the work of the spirit. So, from the naturalist perspective there is nothing to differentiate. The one who is spiritual may or may not see any act of the spirit, but they know the reality of the circumstances and to what degree there might have been an act of God in answering a prayer.
However, there are Christians who also rationalize answers to prayer. Lack of belief I suppose. There are a lot of people who claim to believe in God and Jesus Christ who..deep down...actually do not. Jesus is most likely trying to reel them in...but it's hard for a person to acknowledge the real Jesus when they have such confidence ands faith in the one they have created in their minds.
There are, I suspect, a lot of bogus claims suggesting God answered a prayer, but such would be motivated by pride and a bit of arrogance on behalf of the one making the claim. The only thing for certain is that God will not contradict the written promises in the Bible. It is not likely that God is playing any favorites for the lottery, football games or parking spots either. Prayer is not magic or spells, it is an effort to move the spiritual hand of God to affect natural boundaries of observable reality.
Too often, for too many, it is clearly nothing more than a "bless me" meditation. --Zorek Richards
| September 4, 2023 |
Sept 4, 2023
There are some Christians in America who believe they are being discriminated against because of their Christianity. Though there are exceptions, most of these people who make this claim are being attacked for their politics first and foremost.
When we answer God at judgment I just don't think that saying well, I supported the Republicans (or insert party here) or I became a politician to make our country more Christian just isn't going to fly.
"Depart from me I never knew you" is the worst thing that anyone who claims to be a "Christian" would want to hear. Pursue Him and His kingdom always until that day there will be no reason to pursue Him anymore as we will be with Him then and forever. I choose Him over America any day of the week. -Zorek Richards
SideNotes: When a Right Wing Maga says "Im just doing what God says," I usually have to end the dialogue with "Why do you think God is that stupid?"
There are some Christians in America who believe they are being discriminated against because of their Christianity. Though there are exceptions, most of these people who make this claim are being attacked for their politics first and foremost.
When we answer God at judgment I just don't think that saying well, I supported the Republicans (or insert party here) or I became a politician to make our country more Christian just isn't going to fly.
"Depart from me I never knew you" is the worst thing that anyone who claims to be a "Christian" would want to hear. Pursue Him and His kingdom always until that day there will be no reason to pursue Him anymore as we will be with Him then and forever. I choose Him over America any day of the week. -Zorek Richards
SideNotes: When a Right Wing Maga says "Im just doing what God says," I usually have to end the dialogue with "Why do you think God is that stupid?"
| September 3, 2023 |
Sept 3, 2023: Religion News: Sarah Young, publicity-shy superstar author of ‘Jesus Calling,’ dies at 77
Sarah Young, a former missionary whose devotional prayers became a Christian publishing juggernaut, has died at age 77.
The author of “Jesus Calling,” which has sold more than 40 million copies, died Thursday (Aug. 31) after struggling for years with chronic illness and Lyme Disease. News of the Nashville native’s death, first reported by Christianity Today, came a day after Publisher’s Weekly reported that the author’s health was “rapidly failing.”
Sarah Young, a former missionary whose devotional prayers became a Christian publishing juggernaut, has died at age 77.
The author of “Jesus Calling,” which has sold more than 40 million copies, died Thursday (Aug. 31) after struggling for years with chronic illness and Lyme Disease. News of the Nashville native’s death, first reported by Christianity Today, came a day after Publisher’s Weekly reported that the author’s health was “rapidly failing.”
| September 2, 2023 |
CS Lewis
If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth “thrown in”: aim at earth and you will get neither. --CS Lewis
| September 1, 2023 |
Brett McCracken
If there’s one big takeaway from this summer’s hits, it’s that contemporary culture is fragmented and at war—not only with “the other side” but also with itself. Without a solid biblical foundation upon which to build coherent works, a culture is bound to produce discordant spectacles that may strike a chord with certain audience segments, but fail to harmonize meaning in any lasting or universal sense. Into this chaos, Christians should strive to be voices of coherent truth and consistent conviction, creating transcendent works of culture that don’t just play well with one side or the other but that speak gospel truth fearlessly to all sides, come what may. --Brett McCracken; Gospel Coalition; Taylor, Oliver, ‘Barbie,’ ‘Freedom’: Pondering 4 Summer Sensations 9.2.23